Quick fixes to combat Afternoon Slump at work
Have you ever felt sleepy and sluggish at the office even before lunchtime? This afternoon fatigue, also known as ‘Afternoon slump’ can have several causes like poor sleep the night before, unhealthy eating habits, dehydration or high level of stress. No matter how hard one tries, a busy schedule and pressure of work comes in the way of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
When your energy is drained, these simple tricks will help you get recharged and be productive through the end of the day.
Take a hot sip of coffee or tea
The crisp aroma of these hot beverages is refreshing in itself and helps you feel perked up. Caffeine present in tea and coffee is a stimulant that boosts your metabolism and helps you stay alert. However, you may want to regulate the amount of caffeine you are having as it is an addictive drug and may affect your sleep. If you want a healthier alternative which is equally effective, then you can try opting for green tea. So, go ahead and grab a cup.
Stretch your muscles
Sitting on a chair for long hours will make you feel stiff and cause painful muscle cramps. All you need to do to avoid sore muscles is a little bit of stretching. Move away from your desk, take a deep breath and roll your shoulder forward and then backward. Repeat this for a few minutes. Neck stretches are helpful in relieving strain on your neck. You can also try a few isometric exercises which help in relaxing the tense muscles.
Give yourself a break
Working continuously is exhausting for your body as well as mind. Whenever you feel stressed or tired and feel like you are losing concentration, get up from your desk and take a stroll around. You can go outside your office building to take a brief walk; this change will give you exposure to sunlight and air that will boost your energy and increase your productivity. Listening to your favorite songs is also a great way to feel more energized. But don’t use this break as an excuse to procrastinate.
Put a drop of peppermint Oil in hand
Peppermint is a known energy-enhancing scent. Take a drop or two of peppermint oil in your hand and briskly rub it together. Now simply, rub it all over your face avoiding eye contact.
Keep a rosemary plant at your Desk
Not only sharing your workspace with a live, growing thing provides its mood but also the scent of rosemary is said to be very energizing. Take a sprig and rub on your hands, face and neck to feel the aromatic boost.
Munch on healthy snack to get the blood flowing
It’s normal to feel hungry during office hours even after having a fulfilling lunch. Light and nutritious snacks between the meals will give you all the energy you need, and help you work more efficiently. You can add a healthy variety of small nibbles to your office routine. Here are some guilt-free snacks you can carry to work:
- Dry Fruits
- Dark Chocolate
- Salad
- Sprouts
CONCLUSION
Make sure you are maintaining your personal and professional life in the healthiest way possible. Focusing on one and simply ignoring the other can have adverse effects. Thus, a balanced life is the key to happiness for your physical as well as mental health.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information.